Notable openings, closings, flavors and fun in Pleasant Valley, Chenal, Ferndale and beyond.
FOOD & DRINK
We begin with the bittersweet news that Capers closed its doors earlier this year after nearly three award-winning decades in the Little Rock restaurant scene. The sweet part? The Croissanterie, located less than a quarter of a mile away, is working to move into the larger Capers space with plans for an expanded menu.
In the Chenal area, Milano’s Italian Restaurant opened in the former Kemuri spot at 17200 Chenal Pkwy., while Gandolfo’s Deli in The Promenade has evolved to include Raiz Eatery with a menu focused on pizza, bowls and sandwiches.
Bheemas Indian Kitchen will soon move its authentic eats into the former Khalil’s Pub & Grill space at 110 S. Shackleford Road. Just down the street, the new Las Mamalonas Mexican Bar and Grill has moved into the Shackleford Crossings complex complete with a stage and dance floor. Meanwhile, the Chicago-based Papa Chocolate is unleashing its sweet treats in the shopping center at 12911 Cantrell Road.
One last bit of bitter news, JJ’s Grill closed its West Markham Street location, but you can still get a taste of the Arkansas classic at one of its seven other spots (and yes, the closest is Conway).
FIRST-RATE SECOND LOCATIONS
One of the best trends to watch unfold in recent years has been the westward expansion of some of the city’s favorite restaurants. In 2025 alone, second locations opened for Community Bakery in the Market Place Shopping Center on Rodney Parham Road, for Cha Cha Boba Tea Co. in the Bowman Heights Shopping Center and for The Root Cafe in Breckenridge Village, where another Deluca’s Pizza opened last fall and another Flyway Brewing is still in the works.
At The Promenade, a second Little Rock location of ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. is moving into the Local Lime space, which will transplant just a few storefronts down into the former Bravo space.
RETAIL + RECREATION
West Little Rock bookworms finally got their locally-owned wish in the form of Sammy’s Bookshelf, an indie pop-up that opened a storefront in the Market Place Shopping Center this summer.
For the action seekers, Swing Social, a golf simulator lounge and sports bar, is also coming to Market Place. Likewise, West Markham’s popular Full Out Barre fitness studio found its new owners in Lydia and KenDrell Collins, and House of Beauty by KT Aesthetics found its new home last fall at 13924 Cantrell Road…